The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 161: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

MR. RIGDEN’S OFFICE 135 Alfred appeared in the room from the outer office, and, as’ her eyes were fixed at the moment upon the papers to which she had alluded, she did not observe the entrance of the youth. The lawyer’s sudden warning caused “ee to start and turn her looks toward the door; and as her eyes fell upon Alfred’s countenance, she was struck by the conviction that the same glow of ill-subdued joy which she had previously observed again lighted up his features. A singular feeling arose like a presentiment in Caroline’s bosom; and she experienced an uneasiness which she could not explain to herself. “ Who is that boy?” she inquired, abruptly, so soon as Alfred had delivered a message and withdrawn. ‘‘ He has been some few weeks in my service,’ answered Rigden. ‘‘ But wherefore the question? ” ‘‘T scarcely know,” said Caroline. ‘‘ And yet I do not altogether like his appearance. There is something sneaking in his manner and sinister in his look. Take care of him — that’s all.” “You really alarm me, young woman,” observed the attorney; ‘for, to tell you the truth, I took him without either reference or character — “So did Lord Florimel engage me at the beginning,” thought Caroline within herself. “Yes, contrary to my usual caution,” added.Mr. Rigden, taking a huge pinch of snuff, ‘‘ I suffered myself to be over- persuaded by some history of woe and distress which Alfred told me; and being in want of just such a youth at the instant I engaged him. He seems a steady, intelligent, well-meaning lad —”’ “Take care of him, I repeat,’”’ interrupted Caroline, dog- matically. ‘‘ I don’t like his physiognomy, though Heaven knows I should be sorry to be the means of depriving him of his bread, if he is really honest. I may be deceived, therefore; but once again I[ say, be upon your guard.” And with these words Caroline Walters took leave of Mr. Rigden. COU (G GO) SS (GO)